In a rapidly evolving world where science and technology intersect with law enforcement, medicine, and policymaking, few figures have left as significant an imprint as Dragan Primorac. As a globally recognized authority in genetics, personalized medicine, and forensic sciences, Primorac’s groundbreaking contributions continue to reshape the landscape of healthcare and criminal justice worldwide.
A Career Defined by Innovation
Dragan Primorac’s name has become synonymous with the pioneering DNA identification of mass grave victims in the early '90s and his advances in precision medicine. With an extensive career spanning research, government roles, and international collaborations, his work has advanced forensic genetics and set the stage for integrating genetic science into mainstream healthcare.
When he presented in 1994 (at the International Forensic Science Symposium in Taiwan) the results of the identification of skeletal remains found in a mass grave using DNA technology, it became clear that DNA technology could be used for previously unimaginable forensic procedures. In 1996, together with his American colleagues, he published those data in the Journal of Forensic Sciences.
The data obtained in his DNA laboratory located in Split, Croatia, were widely accepted as one of the very first DNA identifications of skeletal remains from mass graves performed globally. Together with his American colleagues, they showed that the identification of mass graves using DNA technology is possible and that significantly affected the advancement in forensic DNA analysis, both in scientific and educational terms. His work in identifying human remains from mass graves in Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina helped bring closure to families affected by war crimes, while his methodologies in forensic DNA analysis were adopted by law enforcement agencies worldwide.
Another significant achievement was made in 2007, with his colleagues from Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, when he published results on the first identification studies of civilian WWII victims found in mass graves located in Slovenia.
Yet, his expertise extends beyond the forensic laboratory. In 2000, as a member of an international consortium, he published a Science paper describing a genetic perspective of human history in Europe, while in 2017, he was among authors who published Nature paper describing the early and largely extinct expansion of anatomically modern humans (AMHs) out of Africa by analyzing human genomes from 148 populations worldwide.
However, during the last 15 years, Primorac has also been a vocal advocate for precision medicine, a revolutionary approach to healthcare that tailors treatments to individual genetic profiles. His research has demonstrated the potential for genetics to transform disease diagnosis and treatment, paving the way for more effective, personalized healthcare solutions.
Global Recognition and Leadership
Dragan Primorac’s leadership in science and medicine has earned him recognition at the highest levels. According to one of the leading world publishers, Elsevier BV, Primorac is in the top 2% of world scientists for career-long and single-year impact. His work has been published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, and he is a sought-after speaker at major global forums on precision medicine.
His influence extends beyond academia and research. From 2003 to 2009, he served as Croatia’s Minister of Science, Education, and Sports, where he spearheaded reforms to modernize the country’s scientific and educational institutions. Under his leadership, Croatia strengthened its international research collaborations, attracting investment in scientific development and innovation. In June 2009, the leading scientific magazine Science dedicated an article underlining Primorac's major reforms to establish Croatia as Eastern Europe's most competitive science and education hub.
Recognized for his contributions to science and education, Primorac has received numerous international accolades. He became the first recipient of the title "Global Penn State University Ambassador" since the University was established in 1855. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Forensic Science Foundation of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and the Executive Committee of the International Consortium for Personalized Medicine (IC PerMEd). Furthermore, he is president of the International Society for Applied Biological Sciences (ISABS), the International Regenerative Medicine Experts Society (IARMES), the Croatian Society for Human Genetics, and the Croatian Society for Personalized Medicine. He was also chair of the International Affairs Committee of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences for years.
Bridging Science, Policy, and Diplomacy
Beyond the laboratory and government roles, Primorac has emerged as a leading figure in scientific diplomacy, using his expertise to foster international collaborations. In 1997, Primorac co-founded the International Society of Applied Biological Sciences (ISABS). So far, more than 6,000 scientists and 700 invited speakers (including ten Nobel laureates) from 75 countries have participated in ISABS conferences held every two years in Croatia in partnership with Mayo Clinic and St. Catherine Hospital. He founded the "Nobel Spirit," held during the ISABS conferences, where Nobel Prize laureates stimulate public discussion on science's role in solving global health issues, acute regional problems such as brain drain and demographic decline, and cultural and social change. His work with global institutions has positioned him as a key advocate for the responsible and ethical application of genetic science in legal systems and healthcare policies.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Primorac was at the forefront of efforts to integrate research into pandemic response strategies, advising governments on managing public health crises. In 2021, he was among the first scientists globally to successfully apply mesenchymal stem cell treatment in a severe COVID-19 patient, while in 2023, he published a cohort study underlining the importance of cellular immunity in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection and reinfection. His ability to bridge the gap between scientific research and public policy has made him a crucial voice in global health discussions.
In 2011, Primorac founded St. Catherine Specialty Hospital, the European center of excellence in personalized medicine. His latest initiatives focus on strengthening cooperation between the fields of medicine and biotechnology, ensuring that advancements in research contribute to public health. Primorac currently applies the personalized medicine paradigm (pharmacogenomics, whole genome sequencing, multi-OMICS analysis, predictive genetic testing, mesenchymal stem cell treatment, etc.) in routine clinical practice. In September of 2024. his team, in collaboration with colleagues from Dartmouth Health at St. Catherine Hospital, performed the first whole genome sequencing (WGS) in Croatia. On his initiative, the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center has just opened state-of-the-art facilities in Croatia, providing cancer patients with an interdisciplinary approach and offering a range of advanced oncology services based on precision medicine. His advocacy for genetic data protection and ethical considerations in forensic investigations has earned him respect among human rights organizations.
Shaping the Future of Forensic Science and Medicine
Looking ahead, Dragan Primorac remains committed to expanding the global impact of personalized medicine and forensic sciences. His research continues to push the boundaries of genetic applications in medicine. His last book, "Forensic DNA Applications: An Interdisciplinary Perspective," published by CRC Press Taylor and Francis Group, continues to influence international legal frameworks, while the book "Pharmacogenomics in Clinical Practice," published by Springer, underlines the importance of pharmacogenomics as the backbone of personalized medicine.
One of his most ambitious projects is advancing AI-powered clinical medicine and forensic genetics, which aims to enhance accuracy while preserving ethical standards. Recently, Primorac and his colleagues used an AI tool (in silico diagnostic study) to analyze over 20,000 tumor and genetic variants in over 600 genes and showed the great potential of machine-learning-based software for primary cancer site prediction (OncoOrigin). His ongoing work in regenerative medicine opens new avenues for treating complex diseases, from cancer to rare genetic disorders. In 2017, his research team described (by using delayed contrast-enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC)) the molecular impact of micro-fragmented adipose tissue containing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on hyaline cartilage regeneration in patients with osteoarthritis.
Primorac’s vision for the future is clear: a world where science serves humanity by enhancing justice, improving healthcare, and strengthening global cooperation. Whether in the courtroom, the laboratory, or the policy arena, his influence shapes the next generation of scientific innovation.
As forensic science and medicine continue to evolve, Dragan Primorac stands at the forefront of this transformation—an innovator, a leader, and a global advocate for the responsible application of genetics in modern society.
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